(n) Broadly defined as someone who creates a new buzz on the street for a new sound, artist, album, beat, fashion, or concept. Usually used to describe DJs, producers, songwriters, rappers, and lyricists who introduce influential songs, beats, albums, and/or mixtapes which take hold in the marketplace.

(v) To create a new buzz on the street for an up-and-coming sound, artist, album, beat, fashion, or concept which becomes influential in the music market.

Originates from Billboard's "Heatseeker" chart which tracks successful artists who have never appeared on the Billboard 200 chart.

1. After the release of their genre-busting ghetto-rock album, and their subsequent signing to a major label, Kongcrete became the music scene's most sought-after heatmakers.

2. At Hot97, Funkmaster Flex's ability to pick out the next big thing has made him a respected heatmaker who can make and break the careers of rising artists.